📖 About Durrës

Durrës is the second-largest city in Albania and the country's most important port, often called "the eternal city over the Adriatic Sea." With a population of approximately 292,000, this ancient city boasts nearly 3,000 years of continuous history, making it one of the oldest and most significant cities in the region. Founded in 627 BC by Greek colonists, Durrës has witnessed the rise and fall of empires while maintaining its crucial role as a gateway between East and West.

Located just 40 minutes from the capital Tirana, Durrës offers an irresistible combination of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and modern development. The city's beach stretches over 10 kilometers along the Adriatic coast—the largest and most popular beach in Albania. During summer months, the shoreline transforms into a vibrant resort destination drawing Albanians and international visitors alike to its mix of private beach clubs and public areas.

As Albania's primary port, Durrës connects the country to Italy via daily ferry services from Bari, Ancona, and Brindisi. This maritime connection has shaped the city's character for millennia, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere where Albanian traditions blend with Mediterranean influences. Modern Durrës is rapidly developing as Albania's tourism sector expands, yet the city carefully preserves its remarkable archaeological heritage.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Durrës' economy revolves around its port, which handles the majority of Albania's maritime trade and serves as the primary ferry connection to Italy. Tourism has become increasingly important, with beach resorts, hotels, and restaurants catering to growing numbers of visitors. The city's proximity to Tirana creates economic synergies, with many residents commuting to the capital while Tirana's population escapes to Durrës beaches on weekends.

The culture of Durrës reflects its position at the crossroads of civilizations. Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Albanian influences have all left their mark. The city celebrates this heritage through festivals, traditional cuisine featuring fresh Adriatic seafood, and ongoing archaeological excavations that continue to reveal new treasures. The famous Via Egnatia, the Roman road connecting the Adriatic to Byzantium, passed through Durrës, and the area near Golem still shows traces of this ancient highway where, legend has it, Pompey and Julius Caesar once clashed.

📜 History

Durrës was founded in 627 BC as Epidamnos by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corcyra (Corfu) on territory of the Illyrian Taulantii tribe. The city quickly became an important trading center on the Adriatic. Romans knew it as Dyrrachium and made it the starting point of the Via Egnatia, their great road eastward. The massive amphitheatre built under Trajan demonstrates the city's importance during the Roman period.

Through the medieval period, Durrës passed between Byzantine, Norman, Venetian, and eventually Ottoman hands. The 15th century brought Turkish rule lasting until Albanian independence in 1912. Durrës briefly served as Albania's capital (1912-1920) before the government moved to Tirana. The communist era (1944-1991) saw the port continue operating while religious buildings were closed. Since Albania's democratic transition, Durrës has experienced rapid development as tourism and port activities expand, while archaeologists continue uncovering layers of the city's remarkable 2,600-year history.